What if I told you there was a way to get business professionals in your town to see you as their go to marketing professional?
What if these same professionals not only bragged about you to your friends, but introduced you to them as well?
And what if they did it week after week and it didn’t cost you a dime?
Sound too good to be true?
Trust me, it’s not – but here’s the deal..
It won’t happen overnight.
One week from now, your career will pretty much look the same.
One month from now, it may look a little better, but you’ll probably feel like quitting.
But one year from now….
One year from now if you work this system, stay consistent with it, and duplicate it… not only will you be the top salesperson in your office, but there’s a chance you’ll have every other station in town begging you to come work for them.
So, what is this magic pill that can transform your career?
It’s getting others to do the work for you by starting your own business networking group.
Before you laugh or dismiss this idea out of hand, hear me out. This strategy has been a golden ticket for many top performers, and it can be yours too.
Building Your Power Network
Forget about cold calling. Instead, become the person who brings people together in a structured, high-value network.
Here’s how you do it:
First, set up your group the right way.
You want to have a group of business professionals who believe in the power of networking and are eager to grow their businesses. So, when you look for people to join your group, allow only one person per profession – this creates a non-competitive environment where everyone’s looking out for each other.
Next, meet regularly. I suggest meeting every two weeks to keep the momentum going and to give people time to collect referrals.
At each meeting, every member brings a referral for someone else in the group. This isn’t just networking; it’s a referral powerhouse.
Here’s why this is the perfect strategy for you…
First, because you’ll be receiving at least a dozen fresh leads every couple of weeks.
Second, because as you’re out and about in the community, you’ll be focused on being a connector and providing value to the members of your group – which, truth be told, may the best thing you can do for your sales career.
As you build your group, choose members carefully. You want a diverse group of professionals who can all benefit from each other’s services. As the radio ad guy, you might include a local restaurant owner, a car dealer, a real estate agent, and other businesses that could use your airtime.
During meetings, have members take turns telling what they do and what kind of new clients and customers they’re looking for. This educates everyone and helps members refer each other more effectively.
Then each week, have one member give a longer more detailed presentation about their business and how they can add value, not only to new clients, but to other members of the group.
Allow each member to bring one guest per meeting. This keeps fresh faces coming in and expands everyone’s network. Remember, today’s guest could be tomorrow’s valuable member.
Becoming the Go-To Marketing Expert
Now, here’s where you really set yourself apart: become the go-to expert in modern digital and direct marketing techniques.
We’ve talked about this before on the blog, and it’s crucial. Make yourself available to help other members with the nuts and bolts of their digital advertising.
Show other members how to set up a lead capture form, craft an irresistible offer, or build their email list. Lead with value, and the sales will follow.
During the meetings, resist the urge to sell. Your role is to build connections and keep conversations flowing. You’re the connector here, not the star of the show. By helping others succeed, you’re building a network of loyal allies who’ll be eager to send business your way.
After each meeting, follow up. Send a quick email or make a call. Keep those connections warm. This isn’t just courtesy; it’s smart business and, honestly, just the decent thing to do.
The best part is that you’ll building relationships that will enhance your time on Earth as a human and build dividends down the line.
Reaping the Rewards
As we’ve said before, people buy from those they know, love, and trust. When you’re the one bringing everyone together and providing valuable expertise, you become that trusted figure. You set yourself apart from the rest of the salespeople in your town and build a group of people who are not only willing, but eager to take your call.
Consistency is the Key
We live in a day and age where people aren’t used to consistency. So, when you’re consistent, when you follow through and do what you say and have the meetings when you say you’re going to have them, you will stand out from the rest of the crowd and position yourself for success in a way nobody else can match.
To do that here, hold your meetings at the same time and place every two weeks. People appreciate routine. It makes it easier for them to plan and attend regularly. And don’t get discouraged if it takes a while to get rolling. Keep at it, and you’ll build a core group of committed members.
Before long, you’ll have a steady stream of qualified referrals coming your way. Your sales will grow, and you’ll build a solid network of business relationships. But it goes beyond just sales. You’ll become a respected figure in your local business community. That’s worth its weight in gold.
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Brent Hoodenpyle is a Texas-based digital marketing and sales specialist with over twenty years experience working with a wide range of companies to improve their digital stats and revenue.